Chips on a Sandwich | no. 1 | When it rains, it...
Hi. Welcome to the no. 1 issue of the Chips on a Sandwich newsletter.
Here are some bits of joy for you to crunch on:
- THAT SMELL AFTER IT RAINS: I'm referring to that earthy scent that is so distinct it has a name-- petrichor.
(Close your eyes, take a deep breath, can you smell it?)
Greek for rock (petro) and blood of the gods (ichor). So, bloody God rock-- not super subtle. But a wounded Zeus has nothing to do with it. After it rains-- especially during a dry spell-- a chemical called geosim is released from dead microbes (Mother Nature is amazing AND gross). Geosim is also the reason beets have that earthy flavor you either love or don't-- fact!
- A POEM AND A PAINTING SITTING IN A TREE ...: Once upon the early 1990's I was gifted a collection of poetry called Imaginary Gardens (edited by Charles Sullivan, 1989). The written word and works of art paired up. I was dazzled. Langston Hughes' (1902-1967) April Rain Song was partnered with Frank Weston Benson's (1862-1951) Twilight.
April Rain Song
Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.
The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk. The rain makes running pools in the gutter. The rain plays a little sleep-song on our roof at night —
and I love the rain.
(...plays a little sleep-song...I love that part.)
Thank you, Mr. Hughes.
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WINDLESS CHIMES: I love these garden bells made by Woodstock Chimes. Modeled after poppies, their delightful little dings are not powered by wind. Rather if placed near a pathway the vibrations of a passerby will set them off into a chorus of gentle chimes. Fill them with seeds and let birds be the conductors. Or listen carefully the next time it rains.
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WHAT'S A CUP GARDEN?: There is water everywhere at Innisfree Garden in Millbrook, NY (about 2 hours north of NYC). It flows, drips, mists and sprays all throughout the expansive 185 acres. Marion and Walter Beck and their collaborator Lester Collins were influenced by Japanese and Chinese garden design-- in particular Wang Wei's work-- the 8th century poet, painter and garden designer. Instead of an oppressively manicured outdoor space they created little naturalistic pockets or "cups" to be discovered and explored. There are so many. It's like being Alice walking through a Zen Wonderland. The garden is open: timeslots and tickets available online.
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THE BEST ICE CREAM SANDWICH: Is shaped like a fish. So, there's-- Taiyaki-- a carefully crafted Japanese pastry-- which has a crispy fish-shaped outside (think sugar cone) and traditionally filled with red bean paste. And then there's the one in the freezer section: a slab of fished-shaped ice cream hugged by an outer cone layer. It's a wonderful friendship. Look for it in specialty markets. And the flavors! Chocolate, strawberry, green tea...
POLL: Ice cream: cup or cone?